Denver, CO – The Latina Initiative has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Amber J. Tafoya, Esq. (pictured at left) effective January 3, 2011. After a lengthy and well-developed search process, the Board voted to bring Ms. Tafoya on board and lead the Latina Initiative in a direction that aligns with the mission and who can strategically help implement the organization’s new vibrant strategic plan.

“We are very pleased with our decision and know that Amber is the best fit for the Latina Initiative,” said Board President Dr. Janet Lopez. She also added, “She brings a strong background of nonprofit and community organizing experience as well as a true commitment to making civic engagement a part of every Latina.”

Prior to joining the Latina Initiative, Ms. Tafoya managed her company, Tafoya Law and Consulting, LLC. In her practice, she provided non-profit consulting services as well as a multitude of legal and educational services for immigrants. Ms. Tafoya also has an extensive background in policy, community organizing and legal experience as evident in her past work experiences with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Collation, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo.

“My strong commitment and passion for addressing our needs as Latinas through public policy make this position an exciting opportunity. My goal is to make sure that we as Latinas are the ones who determine our own life choices and direction,” said Ms. Tafoya.

Amber is from Pueblo, Colorado and received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Southern Colorado, her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law and is license to practice law in the state of Colorado.

“We are 100% behind Amber and are ready to provide her the support to succeed and to take the Latina Initiative to new heights,” said Katherine Archuleta, past President and founding member. The Board is pleased to have Ms. Tafoya and appreciates her enthusiasm and motivation that she brings to the organization.

The Latina initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to cultivate, support and maintain the civic involvement of Latinas in Colorado.” The Latina Initiative is a nationally recognized nonpartisan leadership and education, voter registration, and mobilization project aimed at increasing the civic and political engagement of Latinas.

The Latina Initiative (LI), dedicated to cultivating, supporting and maintaining the civic involvement of Latinas across Colorado, has announced that Dusti Gurule, its Executive Director since 2004, will be leaving her position at the end of August 2010. During her tenure, Ms. Gurule has led LI to a national leadership position among non-profit organizations dedicated to Latino civic engagement. She has received national and local recognition for her work and was named one of ’50 for the Future’ by The Colorado Statesman in 2007, one of 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Womens ENews, and Mujer de Impacto by the Latina Chamber in 2009.

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School board candidates Joe Colgan and Bill Bowlby revealed differing styles at a public forum Thursday.

Colgan, who was appointed to fill a vacancy in August, pointed to his experiences as a board member for the
Durango Adult Education
Center and La Plata Economic Development Action Partnership and longtime involvement in Rotary clubs and Boy Scouts.

Bowlby, in contrast, asked big-picture questions while citing academic literature and news reports.

In response to a question about how to improve communication between Durango School District 9-R and the community, Colgan said conversations often prove valuable.

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Check out the Durango Telegraph list of events! LI & League of Women Voters School Board candidate forum is mentioned!

The legislative poverty task force met the same week Denver Public Schools students were heading back to class, the same day three community organizations announced a campaign to demand accountable public schools, and just as the district moves to place more students into college-prep courses.

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DENVER - Children across Denver grabbed their backpacks and lunchboxes Wednesday morning as they headed back to school.

Wednesday was the first day of classes for Denver Public Schools, the second largest district in the state, and Superintendent Tom Boasberg was ready and waiting for his punctual pupils to arrive at Stedman Elementary School.

"We've got our highest enrollment in 30 years," Boasberg said.

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The Campaign for Accountable Public Schools convened on Tuesday in front of the Denver Public School headquarters for a press conference to launch their campaign to draw attention to the needs of Latino and other minority students, and families in the public school system... Click Here to read the entire article!

DENVER - Amber Mendoza wished she didn't have to stand in front of district headquarters Tuesday afternoon. But the East High sophomore is part of a movement to push for an equal education for Hispanic students.

"All students in DPS have the right to college preparatory education," said Mendoza, a member of Jovenes Unidos or Youth United. "We believe that all DPS students deserve equal services regardless of race, income, or legal status."

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Community activists are knocking on doors, holding forums and even rapping to improve the odds that people will turn out for the November school board election. To read the entire article, click here!

To view the link click here: http://www.northdenvertribune.com/2009/05/dusti-gurule-wins-national-award/